According to journalist Nizaar Kinsella, Chelsea striker Armando Broja could return to first-team action very soon.
Armando Broja has not played for Chelsea since last year after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
It looks like he could be available again after the international break.
On the 22-year-old, Kinsella said: “I think Armando Broja is very, very close to being back.
I understand he’s been ready for a while, but Chelsea are really cautious with him. His long-term health is priority.”
Broja scored his first goal for Chelsea last season after returning from a productive loan spell at Southampton.
However, the £78,000-a-week (Salary Sport) forward was unable to build on that strike, which came against Wolverhampton Wanderers, because of the injury he picked up.
Armando Broja’s return will be a big boost for Mauricio Pochettino
With Christopher Nkunku also out injured right now, Pochettino does not have too many options up front.
Nicolas Jackson is the only player he can really call upon at present to lead Chelsea’s line and the Senegal international is still trying to settle in the Premier League.
He has only been able to score one goal so far, which came against newly-promoted Luton Town.
With that in mind, it would be great if Pochettino had another No.9 option, which is why Broja returning will be a boost.
In an ideal world, Chelsea would have signed a centre-forward like Harry Kane during the summer transfer window.
But given their rivalry with Tottenham Hotspur, he was never going to be a viable target for them.
It means Pochettino must now make do with what he has, which has been very little in recent weeks.
But Broja’s return will give the Argentine an extra name that he can call on.
Broja has been out of action since November 2022 – with his last appearance coming for Albania in a friendly clash with Italy
He is nearing a return to club competition after undergoing surgery on a serious knee problem that he picked up during the World Cup break.
He could come into contention for selection at a timely moment for Chelsea.
Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino crying out for a No.9 to lead the line in his team.
